Art History for Kids: Children’s Books About Great Artists

Included with the 25 awesome activities in my brand ebook, Kaleidoscope: Hands On Explorations in Colour (and Color!), are four inspired by the work of great artists – Klee, Kandinsky, Warhol and Giacometti. I believe that studying the life and art of the masters is a fabulous way to help children learn to reflect upon and share their own ideas, emotions and unique perspectives on the world. I do hope you will take a look at the ideas shared inKaleidoscope.

Today I am sharing 12 fabulous picture books that each explore the lives and artwork of a range of master artists – and there is surely no doubting that each and every artist included in this collection had a very unique view of the world, from which we can learn so much. There are a range of art styles included in this list, everything from impressionism to abstract to pop art, so I am confident you will find a style and story that fills your child with wonder. Here are our favourites…

Henri’s Scissors – Jeanette Winter
The author sensitively shares the story of Matisse’s art journey from drawing to painting to his most well known art created by cutting colourful, paper shapes. This book will have your children itching to snip with scissors before they even make the last page.

Katie and the Mona Lisa – James Mayhew
Featuring the work of five famous Renaissance painters, including DaVinci’s Mona Lisa, Katie discovers much about the subjects of each painting as she steps through the frame and speaks to them.

Action Jackson – Jan Greenberg
A peek inside the Jackson Pollock’s unique style and studio, the story draws on Pollock’s own comments and those of other member’s of his family.

100 Pable Picassos – Violet Lemay
The author shares bite sized tidbits of information about Picasso alongside an invitation to the reader to find and count all 100 drawings of Picasso shared throughout the book.

Museum 123, Museum ABC and Museum Shapes – The NY Metropolitan Museum of Art
Using artistic masterpieces from their collection, this series by the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art matches art to math and literacy concepts to explore with young children.

For your convenience, each title is linked to an Amazon page (these are affiliate links) where you can find reviews and age recommendations for those you might not be personally familiar with.

Check out Kaleidoscope! This is STEM, art and literacy like you’ve never seen it before – dressed up in all the colours of the rainbow! Kaleidoscope: Hands-On Explorations in Colour (and Color!) includes 25 awe-inspiring projects that integrate learning across a range of subject areas, including the STEM topics of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as art, literacy and cooking. This is a great resource for teachers, parents, camp organisers, youth and community group leaders, homeschoolers, out of school care educators and more. Pop over to find out more.

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Christie Burnett is an early childhood teacher, presenter, writer and the editor of Childhood 101. More importantly, she is a Mum who believes wholeheartedly in the value of children learning through play, the importance of quality early education, and the togetherness of family.